Preparation and Properties of Photochromic Microspheres

Abstract

Monodisperse porous polystyrene microspheres were prepared with the mixed solution of ethanol and water as dispersion medium and poly (vinylpyrrolidone) was used as dispersant. The even size of microspheres prepared at optimal process was about 1μm. Photochromic microspheres were obtained using polystyrene microspheres to absorb the photochromic materials. The effect of dispersion medium on the microspheres morphology was investigated. The adsorption parameters affecting microspheres adsorption quantity, such as the concentration of spiropyran solution and adsorption temperature, were studied in detail. Furthermore, photochromic properties of the microspheres were analyzed and PVA as coating was used to increase the fatigue resistance of photochromic microcapsules. The photochromic microspheres obtained could rapid reversibly change color under UV or sun light at room temperature and common pressure.